kraus



No. 615,394. Patented Dec. 6, I898.

R. w. .1. KBAUS. STAMP Amxma MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 23, 1896.)

- (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

No. 6l5,394., Patented Dec. 6, I898.

R. W. J. KRAUS. STAMP AFFIXING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 23, 1896.)

(No Model.) .4 SheetQ-Sheet 2.

s l W 1 I I V g K Q J .5 L I I H e I g g 2,;

No. 6l5,394. Patented Dec. 6, I898.

R. W. J. KRAUS.

STAMPAFFIX ING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 23, 1896.) (No Model.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

' i; T" f ii t 2. I IL a 57: Hill WITNESSES aliiomey PIHOTO-LITNOHwisumpron. pic.

N0. .6l5,394. Patented Dec. 6, I898. R. W. J. KRAUS.

STAMP AFFIXING MACHINE.

(Application filed Apr. 23, 1896.)

No Model.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 4.v

UNITED STATES ROBERT w. J. KRAUS,

PATENT OFFICE.

OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

STAM P-AFFIXING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 615,394, dated December6, 1898.

Application filed April 2 3, l 8 96 i To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ROBERT W. J. KRAUS, of New York, in the county andState of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inStamp-Affixing Machines; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enableothers skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use thesame, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to theletters and figures ofreference marked thereon, which form part of thisspecification.

This invention has relation to stamp-affixing machines which by themovement of certain parts of the machine moistens the stamp and affixesit to the letter. This letter is then thrown out to be replaced byanother letter to receive its stamp in the same manner. The stamps areplaced in a chamber in bundles and are separated by certain woodenstrips or holders which prevent the moistening of more than one stamp ata time. The strips are thrown out simultaneously with the stamp afterthe letter receives its stamp.

The object of the invention is to rapidly stamp the letters and to placethe stamps in their proper position upon the envelops; and to this endthe invention consists, first, in the construction of the stamp holderby and through which the stamp is properly placed on the letter; second,in means for releasing the stamp from its bundle; third, in means forholding the stamps within the bundle and chamber; fourth, in means formoistening the stamp to be affixed; fifth, in tripping devices by whichthe letter is thrown from the table after it is stamped; sixth, in themovement of the table by which the letter is carried to have itsstampaffixed; seventh, in means for operating all the parts of themachine bya single movement of the hand, and, lastly, in certain detailsof construction and arrangements of parts, as will be .more fullyhereinafter described.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents aperspective and complete view of my machine as far as it can be shown bya single figure. Fig. 2 shows a side the cam-like throwing-slot.

tener. whole machine, the stamp-chamber, the mov- Serial No. 588,730.(No model.)

shows the moistener in position, the frame which carries thestamp-chamber, and its releasing mechanism. Fig. 3 shows a plan viewwith the upper table removed and partly in section, taken on the line a:as, Fig. 1, also the throwing-table and tripping device. is an end viewof triggers g and g, 9 being secured to the frame and g to the table.(See Fig. 3.) Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one formof modification ofmy stamp-mois- Fig. 5 shows an end elevation of the able upright or rod,the spring lifting device, the end of the table for carrying the letter,the end of the throwing-table and the end of the tripping device, andthe toes or stampholding and pusher-releasing device, also the springsfor operating the stamp carrying chamber, the thrower, and their guides.Fig. 5% is an inverted or bottom plan view of the table F, provided withslotted bar or lever 72 and pin 16". This lever is fnlcrumed at pin 17,having rod 0, which projects into slot P of rod K, (see Fig. 3,) and bythe up-anddown movement of rod K the table F is operated by giving it ato-and-fro motion. Fig. 6 shows a vertical longitudinal section of amodified form of stamp-moistener. Fig. 7 is also a modification ofanother form of stampmoistener, partly in section and partly inelevation. Fig. Sis a detail perspective view of a bunch ofstamp-separators, (the stamps not being shown,) which also act asoperating means for the, toes or throwers. Fig. 9 is a Fig.

detail view showing a modified form of mechanism for operating theletter-throw-off table. Fig. 10 is a detail view showing a modified formof stamp-moistener. Fig. '11 is a detail View, in vertical section, ofmy stamp-moistener; and Fig. 12 is a detail view in perspective, showingthe stamp-moistener and upright slotted rod by which it is carried.

Like letters and numerals of reference indicate like parts in thedifierent figures.

Referring to Fig. 1, A is the frame, which, as shown, is supported uponlegs, but may be mounted upon any suitable platform.

B is the feeding-table and is designed to move to and from thestamp-affixing chamber and affixer. This table works freely in slidesand when up under the affixer rests upon ledges O. The table B on two ofits ICC sides is provided with upwardly-projecting sides D D, by whichthe letters are prevented from falling off, and the bed of the table isalso provided with slots at a a a a a, through which project pins l) bb, which are secured to a throwing-table E. (Plainly shown in' Fig. 3.)These pins are operated by the table E and serve to throw the lettersfrom the table B instantaneously as soon as they are stamped. The device(see Fig.3) is provided with spring tripping devices (1 cl. The tripperd is operated by rod K in one direction-that is, when the rod is pusheddown it pulls the trip d back by means of a cord 20, passing over pulley21, which cord is fastened at its other end to frame J of the moistener.The pins in turn throw the letter off the table 13. Springs ff draw thetable E back to its position after the letter has been thrown off tableB and the pins 1) b to their position to throw the next letter that isstamped, and springs e 6 hold the tripping devices at d in engagementuntil the tripper d is drawn back out of contact with the tripper d,which is effected by the trigger being struck back of its pivot by thetrigger g during the backward movement of table F. hen by the backwardmovement of the table F the trip 61 is released, the trip d will striketongue 0, throwing table E back, carrying the pins Z) I) with it, and bythe sudden and rapid action of the tripper d against the tongue a suddenmotion is imparted to the table E, and pins 1) b rapidly displace thestamped letter and throw it off the table.

I will now proceed to describe the stampmoistening device. (See Figs. 2,5, and 6.)

G is the moistener, held by the cup h, which contains water. Thesponge-holder and water vessel may be separated, if desired. This cup issupported by box II and this box in turn by arms I, Fig. 2, and J, Fig.5. The arms I and J are arranged at right angles to each other, so thatthe spring-moistener G is brought directly beneath the stamp-carryingchamber which will be more fully hereinafter described. This moistener,carrying arms I and J, is shown on an enlarged scale in Fig. 12, and theoperation of the moistener is as follows: The movable upright or rod Koperates the entire device; but in this instance I will only describe itin connection with the moistener. The rod K is located at the side ofthe machine and works in upright guides Z l and carries at its top across-bar M. This rod K is held up in a vertical position, as shown inFigs. 2 and 5, by means of spring on. Beneath the table F is located alever 71, having a rod 0, which may be provided with friction-rollersand which projects into and works in slot 19 of the rod K. This rod,through its slot, operates the rod 0 of lever n, and by its cam-shapedslot produces four distinct movements of separate parts. The rod K, byits spring m, raises the moistener G. The cam or diagonal portion movesall the tables. Vhen raised, it throws them backward.

When pushed down, it brings them forward; but while throwing thembackward a tripping device throws the table E and the pins 1) blaterally, throwing off the stamped letter. It will be observed thattable E receives its motion from the movement of table F, which carriestripping device g, which imparts motion to g, and gin turn to d, and dto d, and then in turn to table E. The resiliency of the several springsof course produce the several motions of the parts when released. Thusit will be seen that the up-and-down movement of the rod K operates theentire machine. When the moistener G comes up, all the tables movebackward, and the moistener is brought into contact with the back of thestamp, which is in the stamp chamber or carrier N, and moistens it readyto be placed on the letter. Triggers g and g have oppositely-bevelededges, so that they will readily slip over each other freely. By meansof the incline of the bevels the upper one, g, yielding vertically,slides over the lower one. They also have square or fiat sides, whichcatch or clutch each other when holding the table forward. The trigger gis pivoted to the frame and adapted to be operated by tripper d, but isheld in position against the tension of spring e by stop-pin r. Thetrigger g operates by gravity.

I will now proceed to describe the stampcarrying chamber.

N shows the stampcarrying chamber mounted upon upright or support P,which is slotted to carry guide Q. This guide is secured to the carrierby any suitable means. The support P is provided with pin .9, to whichthe upper end of a spring 25 is attached, its lower end being attachedto a similar pin 8 and guide Q, the object of which is to elevate thecarrier after it has deposited its stamp upon the letter. The tension ofthe spring permanently holds the carrier in an elevated position, exceptwhile it is forced down by means of rod K and cross-bar M to deposit itsstamp. The crossbar M, which is rigidly secured to the upright or rod K,extends over the top of the carrier N, and by bearing on the top of thebar M it is pushed down, the cross-bar M also forcing the stamp-carryingchamber down, which is again raised by the spring t through the mediumof guide q. On the back of the carrier I also place a guide it, securelyand rigidly fixed to said carrier, through which a bar 2 works. This baror rod 2 carries a rock-shaft 2,which is journaled in two side bars 3and 4 at 2, which are pivoted to the side of carrier N at 2" and whichworkin guides 5 and 6. (See Fig.1.) These guides in turn guide thestamp-pushers 7 and 8, which, as described, are provided with springs 9,which are secured to the stampcarrying chamber, extending downwardly andcarrying at their lower ends toes or pushers, which are operated by theinterposing pieces between the stamp, one on each side. These springspermit the pushers to yield outwardly when the stamp and piece 12 passto the toes or holders 13 and 14:; but after the stamp and piece arereleased the throwers immediately fly back to their position ready tothrow out the next adjacent stamp and piece.

Referring again to rod or bar 2, it will be seen that its end is pivotedto rock-shaft 2 and projects below the lower end of the stampcarryingchamber N, resting upon the letter to be stamped, so that when thecarrier is brought down it forces bar 2 up and, being pivoted torock-shaft 2,rocks said shaft,which in turn operates the pivoted levers3 and 4, throwing their forward ends down and with sponge G is mountedin a box at the end of bar I, said box having openings 31, whereby themthe pusher-toes 7 and 8, thus releasing the stamp.

A spring 19 is secured to the rock-shaft and guide u, so that when thecarrier rises the said spring 19 pulls back the rock-shaft and with itthe rod or bar 2, again bringing it below the carrier N, and so onrepeatedly for each letter stamped.

After the stamp has been placed upon the letter it must be rememberedthat the letter and the intermediate piece are thrown out together. Whenanother takes its place, these toes or throwers are operated by springs9, one on each side of the carrier, and they yield sidewise by means ofpressure brought against the toes, which are carried by said springs andby which pusher-toes 7 and 8 are actuated by the pieces that carry thestamp to permit the stamp and its piece 12 to pass down; but thethrowers 7 8 spring in between and just above the lower stamp and piece12. Just below the toes or holders 7 S are located another pair ofspring toes or holders 13 and 14 on each side of the stamp-chamber,which yields to permit the stamp and holder to pass, and at their lowerends these toes 13 and 14 hold the stamp and piece 12 in position, theformer to receive the moistener, the stamp, gummed side down, being thelowest, so that after the stamp is moistened and the carriers pusheddown and the table pushed forward the letter receives its stamp, when itis pushed ofi by pins 1) b b, and this movement is repeated as long asthere are stamps in the carrierchamber.

The carrier-chamber is provided to carry a large number of stamps at atime.

In order to secure the fall of the stamps and the intermediate pieces, Iplace weight 15 on top of the same, so that the stamps will be fed aslong as any remain in the carrier.

Stops or pins 16 control the upper movement of the side pivotal bars 3and 4.

The front of the stamp-carrier chamber may be of glass, so that thestamp and intermediate pieces may be observed.

From the above description it will be see that by the single downmovement of the rod K all the parts are put in motion and replaced bythe tension of the springs.

In .Fig. 4 is shown a modified form of moistener in which I provide awater-tank 71. to which is attached a flexible pipe 39, leading downwardtherefrom and which termibears against the underside of table F, caus- 7ing the sponge to be thrown upward to moisten the lower stamp in thecarrier.

In Fig. 10 is shown a modification of the moistener in whichupwardly-opening trapdoors 32 are provided in the table, closingdownward, through which the sponge is projected in its upward movementand which automatically close --when the sponge passes downward, thuspreventing any tendency to wet the top of the table and protecting thesponge from dust, &c.

In Fig. 9 is shown a modified form of tripping mechanism for operatingthe throw-off table. In this the tripper d is pivoted to a lug 33,projecting below table F, said table being actuated by a spring to throwit against the tongue 0 of throw-off table E. (See Fig. 3.) When bar Kmoves upward, the pivoted hook 35 engages hook 38 on cord 36, passingover pulley 37 and secured to tripper d. When bar K moves down,projecting toe 34:, secured below table or frame, strikes on hook 38 andtrips it, releasing the cord and permitting spring (not shown) toactuate tripper d against tongue 0 of throw-01f table.

It is evident that various slight changes might be made in the forms,constructions, and arrangements of the parts described without departingfrom the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not wish to limitmyself to the'exact constructions herein set forth, but consider myselfentitled to all such changes as fall within the spirit and scope of myinvention.

What I claim is- 1. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of amovable stamp-carrier, a frame therefor in which said stamp-carrier isarranged to move, two series of spring-actuated toes projecting intosaid carrier on opposite sides and supporting a series of stamps andseparators, and a releasing-pusher on each side of the holder engagingthe separators for the purpose of releasing the stamps as set forth.

to said vertically-movable rod and projecting over the carrying-chamberfor operating the same and a moistenin g device carried by said rod andlocated in line with the open lower 2. The combination in astamp-affixing machine of a stamp carrier and chamber, springtoesprojecting into the sides thereof, a releasing-pusher, a rock-shaftmounted on one side of the carrier, arms projecting from said rock shaftand engaging the top of the pusher, and means for operating saidrockshaft substantially as set forth.

3. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of a vertically movablecarrier and chamber, the releasing spring-actuated pushers projectinginto the sides of the chamber, the spring-actuated toes also projectinginto the sides of said chamber below the releasing-pushers, and meansfor operating the said pushers and toes substantially as set forth.

4. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of a vertically-movablestamp-carrier, a releasing-pusher on the sides thereof, and springs toproject the same into the sides of the chamber, a rock-shaft, armspivoted to the outside of the chamber, in which are formed bearings forsaid rock-shaft, and engaging the upper ends of the pusherssubstantially as set forth.

5. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of a vertically-movablechamber carrying releasing toes and pushers, the latter projecting intothe sides thereof, a rock-shaft, and connecting-arms to operate the saidtoes and pushers, said rock-shaft being operated by contact with thetable in its downward movement, substantially as set forth.

(5. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of a vertically-movingcarrier having a series of stamps and separators, spring-actuated toesprojecting through the sides of the chamber to engage the separators,springactuated vertically-movable pushers projecting into thechamberabove the toes, a rockshaft, arms secured to the outside of the chamberforming bearings for the rock-shaft and engaging the pushers, and avertical rod or bar secured to the rock-shaft for actuating the same,substantially as set forth.

7. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of a vertically-movingcarrying-chamber, spring-actuated toes projecting into the sidesthereof, pushers also projecting into the sides of the chamber, meansfor operating said pushers, a rod moving vertically in guides, the framecarrying said guides and carrier, and a horizontal rod secured to thevertically-moving rod and projecting over the carrier for operating thesame, substantially as described.

8. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of a vertically-movablestamp-carryin g chamber having an open bottom, a frame on which it ismounted, a vertically-moving rod mounted on said frame, a spring forholding it normally in its upper position, a bar secured end of thecarrying-cham oer, substantially as set forth.

9. Thecombination,inastamp-affixing machine of the frame, astamp-carrier movable in Vertical guides thereon, a Vertically-movingrod also mounted in guides on the frame and having an inclined slot, asliding table, a lever pivoted below said table having one of its endsin said slot for operating the same, and a moistener below the carriercarried by the vertically-moving rod and connecting said rod and movablecarrier, as set forth.

10. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of a frame, avertically-moving stamp-carrying chamber mounted in guides thereon andnormally heldin its upper position, a moistening device below thestampcarrying chamber, a vertically-movable rod mounted in guides on thetable for operating said moistener and normally held in its upperposition, and a bar attached to said rod and extending over thecarrying-chamber for operating the same, substantially as set forth.

11. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of a frame, a tablemounted thereonhaving transverse slots, a stamp-carrier mounted inguides on the frame, a verticallymovable rod mounted in guides on theframe, a throwingtable having pins projecting through slots in thefirst-named table, and means substantially as set forth whereby the twotables are actuated at right angles to each other, substantially as setforth.

12. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of a frame, atablethereon having transverse slots, a stamp-carrier vertically movable inguides on the frame, a rod vertically movable in guides on the frame, amoistener carried by said rod in line with the carrier, a throwing-tablehaving pins working in the transverse slots in the main table, and meansconnectingthe vertically-moving rod with the two tables whereby the maintable is moved under the carrier and returned, and the throwing-tablemoved at right angles thereto, as set forth.

13. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of a main frame, avertically-mov' able stamp-carrier, a main table having transverseslots, a throwing-table having pins projecting through said slots, avertically-moving rod having an inclined slot, a lever pivoted to theframe having one end in said slot and the other connected to the table,and connections between the throwing-table and the rod whereby saidthrowing-table is moved atright angles to the main table, as set forth.

14. The combination in a stamp affixing machine, of a'stamp-carrier, amain table for carrying the letter to be stamped, a throwingtable havingprojecting pins to throw off the letters, a vertically-moving rod, aflexible connection for the throw-off table, and a springtripping devicefor releasing the throw ofif table, asset forth.

15. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine, of the frame, the maintable mounted thereon, the vertically-moving rod K, the auxiliarythrow-off table, the spring for actuating it in one direction, a pivotedspring-actuated tripper cl, bearing againstthe throw-off table toactuate it in an opposite direction, the sliding tripper or dog (1mounted on the frame and engaging the end of tripper cl, and actuated bythe main table for disengaging it therefrom, as set forth.

16. The combination in a stamp-affixing machine of the frame, thelongitudinally-moving letter-carrying table B, the throw-off table E,having tongue 0, the pivoted springactuated lever or tripper d, engagingsaid tongue, the sliding tripper d on the frame to engage and holdtripper d the pivoted trigger g, carried by the frame and engagingtripper d, and the tripper g carried by table B, to

v operate trigger g and tripper cl to release triptwo witnesses.

r ROBERT W. J. KRAUS. Witnesses:

O. E. DUFFY, E. O. DUFFY.

